Two-time Pro Bowler sent packing as Jaguars continue to shed roster

One of the best defensive players in Jaguars' history could see the end coming during the NFL Draft, but John Henderson still went over to the team's headquarters to say a proper goodbye to its power brokers.

Henderson, a two-time Pro Bowl tackle and the team's first-round draft pick in 2002, was released Monday in a much-anticipated move after the Jaguars chose two defensive tackles -- Cal's Tyson Alualu and Louisana Tech's D'Anthony Smith -- with their first two draft picks in the 2010 draft.

The 31-year-old Henderson became expendable because the Jaguars didn't want to pay starter's money to a player that was being phased out for younger talent. Henderson declined to comment through his agent, Tim McGee, who characterized his client's final visit Monday with the Jaguars as cordial.

"John has been in the league long enough to see situations like this evolve," said McGee, a former NFL receiver with the Cincinnati Bengals. "You didn't have to be a rocket scientist to see (the Jaguars) were going in a different direction. I've mentored John in a lot of ways and tried to encourage him. My players totally understand the revolving-door concept. You don't take things personally. There was somebody probably released when John was drafted. That's just the way it goes.

"(Henderson) was more than understanding. He drove over there, knowing his contract had been terminated and the end was imminent. He already knew the information. But he also had the utmost respect for Mr. (Wayne) Weaver, (general manager) Gene Smith, (senior vice-president) Paul Vance and (head coach) Jack (Del Rio). He wanted to go there and have complete closure. I'm proud of him for that. Most players wouldn't have done that."

Smith, who made no secret that the team attempted unsuccessfully to trade Henderson during the draft, strongly hinted on Sunday that his release was inevitable.

He admitted it was tough to part ways with an eight-year veteran that had been a stalwart in the middle, especially when paired with former Jaguars tackle Marcus Stroud during his prime years.

"John Henderson has been very durable, starting well over 100 games at a very combative position," Smith said. "John has had some tremendous seasons wearing a Jaguars helmet. He's got a place in Jaguars' history, having been to a couple Pro Bowls. He's given us a lot in his time here.

"As an organization, we wish John and his family the very best and appreciate the impact John made on the field for us through the years."

Henderson started 120 of a possible 128 games in his career, missing only four total games.

In the past three seasons, including the two years since Stroud's trade to Buffalo, Henderson's production diminished significantly. His three lowest tackle totals came from 2007-09. Henderson also had 22 sacks and 33 pass deflections in his first five years, compared to seven sacks and nine pass defenses since the 2007 season. Those numbers played a part in the Jaguars' decision to sever ties as much as the arrival of top draft picks Alualu and D'Anthony Smith.

In addition to Henderson, the Jaguars also released defensive tackle Montavious Stanley and linebackers Brian Iwuh and Tank Daniels. They also rescinded linebacker Clint Ingram's restricted free agent tender of $1.76 million, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent.

With Henderson and Stanley gone, the defensive tackles left on the Jaguars roster are Terrance Knighton, Atiyyah Ellison, Walter Curry and undrafted free agent Kommonya Quaye, plus the top two draft picks.

McGee has been contacting other teams to gauge interest in Henderson, though a lot could depend on what role his client is seeking and how much of a pay cut he's willing to accept.

"Obviously, it's disappointing, no question about it," McGee said. "John is a very emotionally attached person. When he signed his contract, he thought he'd be there for his entire contract. The focus now is on where John wants to play next. There are several teams interested. In the next couple days, John and I will evaluate the situation and come out with a workable plan."

The release of Henderson means there are only two holdovers from the Tom Coughlin era still with the Jaguars: center Brad Meester and quarterback David Garrard.

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First of All it was evident that the Jags were going to release John, not because of his decline as an athelete, but bc of their decline as a franchise. The last three years of decisions made by Jags coaching staff starting with the complete dismantle of the 2007 playoff defense, to the bogus draft picks, to the rediculous decision to pass up several veteran quarterbacks. This is obvious a franchise that is planninig to sell and does not want to and are are not willing to invest another penney, def not 6 million, into preserving or berttering this program. ( ex/Tebow- increase in ticket sells? completions?) John Henderson is a hell of a player that has several more years of dominance in him. It is amazing how he has mangaged to produce the stats he has with the inexperienced players the jags have surrounded him with. You can't expect a man to play two positions every game. Not to mentiion the fact that the Jags defense have been expected to play both offense and defense. I am sure That Big John is excited and looking forward to closing this chapter of his life and beggining a new one. He will definitely be an asset to what ever team is lucky enought o get him. I wish him and his family the best and hopefully a chance at getting what several players that have left this franchise have gotten a SUPER BOWL RING! GOD HAS BIG PLANS FOR BIG JOHN-